Tabla de contenidos para 2025-12-08 en Star

Industry experts have delivered mixed views after the Ports Regulator of South Africa approved a lower-than-requested tariff increase for the National Ports Authority (NPA), granting an average rise of 7.57% for the 2026/27 financial year, below the 9.61% initially proposed by the Authority. Ports Regulator CEO Mukondeleli Johanna Mulaudzi said the NPA submitted its tariff application on 1 August 2025 in terms of Section 72 of the National Ports Act, seeking allowable revenue of R16.73 billion for 2026/27 and projecting tariff increases of 9.61% for the following two years. After assessing the submission, public inputs, presentations, and updated inflation figures from the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, the Regulator authorised a revenue requirement of R17.42bn. This includes an ETIMC allocation of R800 million, resulting in the weighted average tariff increase of…

PIC probes whether governance recommendations were falsely reported as implemented The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) has instituted an investigation into whether the recommendations of Judge Mpati on governance improvements at the entity were falsely reported as implemented by the previous CEO to Cabinet, deputy finance minister and chairperson of the PIC, David Masondo, has said. Responding to questions in Parliament on Friday, Masondo admitted that the PIC had been led to believe the recommendations had been fully implemented, but after persistent questioning from Parliament, the corporation had to initiate an investigation when no record of implementation could be found. “The report that went to the DTIC Minister said the implementation had been 100% done, but thanks to the persistence of MPs on this matter, we had to check our records…

Science infrastructure is not just critical for the generation of new scientific knowledge and the development of researchers and scientists. Science infrastructure also has immense potential to drive socio- economic development for local communities and stimulate science tourism. Over the past three decades, as the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, we have made significant and targeted investments in the building of key science infrastructure for South Africa. As South Africa, we are proud hosts of the Square Kilometre Array- the world’s largest radio astronomy project. Through the SKA, we have significantly enhanced our international collaboration in advancing the frontiers of discovery science on the back of cutting-edge infrastructure in the field of astronomy, computational technologies, fibre optics and engineering. Further to this, we have also been able to use…

I delivered a keynote address to the 5th SAIGA conference held at the Emperors Palace and asked the question, “Whither governance when Moses has broken the tablets at the foothills of Mount Sinai?”. When we stood before the nations in 1994, newly liberated but materially poor, we did not anticipate that the riches of the state would eventually afflict us, paralysing our human agency. That agency was once epitomised by the poor who triumphed over a labyrinth of apartheid laws and prisons. Yet today, we face a tragic inversion: the liberators have become the predators. Hani, Mandela, Biko, Sobukwe, Maxeke, Sisulu, and Tambo cannot sleep in peace, despite our songs wishing them eternal rest. They cannot rest because the "Covenant of Truth"—the tablet of governance—has been broken. We have mutated…

Following explosive claims of a “degree-selling syndicate” and accusations that the university disregarded a warning from a whistleblower dating back to August 2024, Vaal University of Technology (VUT) has taken steps to correct the record. Media reports have thrust VUT into the spotlight after allegations surfaced of a long-running degree-selling scheme allegedly involving foreign nationals, drawing serious concern from Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela. The claims were first raised more than a year ago by a whistleblower who alerted senior management to suspected fraudulent qualifications reportedly sold, mainly to Congolese students, since 2018. Despite repeatedly flagging the matter and urging the university to scrutinise questionable B.Tech registrations and past graduates, the warnings appear to have gone unheeded. Manamela stated that the accusations are far too serious and the potential harm…

The motive behind the mass shooting at the Saulsville hostel in western Pretoria remains unclear, and fearful residents say they are too scared to speak out worried that doing so could put their lives at risk. The horrific attack in the early hours of Saturday left 12 people dead and 13 others in hospital. A graphic video circulating on community WhatsApp groups shows bodies lying in a blood-soaked hostel room next to a beer crate scattered with broken bottles, capturing the brutality of the scene. Police say three unknown gunmen allegedly stormed into the hostel and opened fire on a group of people who were drinking. The shooting happened at about 4am, but officers were only alerted two hours later. Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed that authorities have registered…

The Border Management Authority (BMA) has achieved a 92% in its second-quarter performance report for the 2025/26 financial year, spanning July 1 to September 30, 2025. BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato highlighted that the authority successfully met 11 of its 12 quarterly targets, as set in its Annual Performance Plan, overcoming various operational challenges previously reported. Masiapato spoke during a media briefing where he gave a report on the BMA’s work for the second quarter. He highlighted that heightened operational activities during the quarter were primarily driven by preparatory meetings for the G20 Leaders’ Summit. Over the three months, the BMA facilitated the attendance of several dignitaries at more than 40 G20 track meetings nationwide. Additionally, the Grobler’s Bridge port of entry processed a significant number of Zion Christian Church…

Longyuan South Africa Renewables unveiled their Social Responsibility and Think Tank Report, highlighting their continued progress in green power generation, environmental protection, employee development, and community support. The report sought to spotlight the commendable initiatives undertaken in the realm of new, clean energy. China Longyuan is the world’s largest wind power investor and operator, with more than 22 000 megawatts of installed wind capacity. Longyuan SA, its subsidiary, invests and operates one of the largest wind power plants in South Africa. Longyuan South Africa Renewables CEO Wang Tianbao said that for many years, they have primarily worked on the Northern Cape highlands and have built two wind power projects. “We have always followed the concept of openness, shared growth, and green development locally, and we keep improving our clean energy…

The embattled Emfuleni Local Municipality is set to debate a motion aimed at tackling its escalating waste crisis after once again failing to collect refuse weekly across most of its 45 wards. The collapse in services has left large parts of the municipality neglected, with only five operational trucks currently serving the Vanderbijlpark and Vereeniging areas. This revelation has heightened concerns amid long-standing complaints about Emfuleni’s inability to meet service-delivery targets, ongoing financial mismanagement, and the worsening state of basic services to residents. Reports indicate that since 2024, and even in the years prior, the municipality has repeatedly failed to carry out weekly refuse collection. Several waste-transfer stations have also been shut down. Critics warn that illegal dumping, now widespread across Emfuleni, is spiralling into what they describe as an…

ABDESLAM OUADDOU, the coach of Orlando Pirates, was celebrating Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s growth instead of lamenting the loss of an influential player in his squad. On the night when the young centre back played his final match for the Buccaneers by lifting the Carling Knockout trophy following a one–nil extra-time victory over Marumo Gallants, many were wondering just how Ouaddou was going to ‘replace’ the lad from Hluhluwe in KwaZulu-Natal. Mbokazi has been snapped up by American Major League Soccer franchise Chicago Fire and will be making the move to the US, after the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations finals in late January. But, having played the game himself, the Moroccan coach is only too pleased to see one of his players making the step up. “I cannot say he…

Proteas Women: 201/5 (Tunnicliffe 51, Van Niekerk 41, Maguire 3/43) Ireland Women: 136/3 (Prendergast 51*, Paul 40, Tryon 2/24) Proteas Women won by 65 runs, lead series 2-0 There were several reasons to be grateful for the Proteas’ Women’s series sweep of Ireland at Boland Park yesterday. For starters it ended a run of bilateral series defeats for a team that has reached consecutive T20 World Cup finals. But on an individual level, it also displayed the value of Western Province duo Faye Tunnicliffe and Dane van Niekerk to the national team’s cause. Tunnicliffe has for a long period been among the leading run-scorers in domestic cricket, but due to a variety of factors has not been able to transfer that form to the international stage since her debut back…

Arne Slot was still reeling from Liverpool’s latest stumble at Leeds when Mohamed Salah took aim at his coach and the club's hierarchy in a post-match rant that could mark the end of his legendary career at Anfield. The English Premier League champions are facing problems after a run of four wins in 15 games in all competitions and now have to contend with what could be a messy divorce from one of the club's all-time greats. Only two men – Ian Rush and Roger Hunt – have scored more than Salah's 250 goals for the 20-time English champions. The Egyptian has been key to two of those title triumphs, most notably last season when he swept the board of individual awards during a stunning campaign as Slot won the…

Moody’s Ratings has reaffirmed its existing view on South Africa’s creditworthiness following a periodic review completed on 27 November 2025, cautioning that while economic conditions have improved, deep structural constraints continue to weigh on the country’s long-term prospects. The review, which did not constitute a ratings action, maintains South Africa’s long-term issuer rating at Ba2 with a stable outlook. This comes after S&P Global Ratings has announced an upgrade of South Africa’s credit rating, the first increment in almost 20 years. This upgrade signified a recognition of the country’s improved economic trajectory, buoyed by stronger revenue performance, enhanced growth prospects, and a gradual easing of pressures that have long beleaguered state-owned enterprises. Moody’s said South Africa’s rating reflects chronically low growth potential linked to ageing infrastructure, a weak labour market,…

South Africa’s agribusiness confidence bounced back in the final quarter of the year, rising by five points to 67 in the Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index (ACI), released on Friday. The improvement follows two consecutive quarterly declines and places the index firmly above the neutral 50-point mark, signalling renewed optimism across the sector. Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz), said favourable production conditions and strong export performance underpinned the rebound. “Favourable weather conditions, strong exports throughout the year on the back of ample grains, oilseeds, and horticulture harvests, as well as better port efficiencies, are among the key drivers of optimism in the sector,” he said. He added that government’s announcement of a nationwide foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccination campaign had also buoyed sentiment, given the long-running challenges…

As Walmart opened its first South African store at Clearwater Mall in Johannesburg and its second in Fourways Mall it enters a retail battlefield already dominated by some of the country’s most deeply entrenched supermarket brands: Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Boxer, Woolworths, and Spar. Shoprite is currently the reigning giant in retail land and with its Sixty60 online offering is eating its competitors lunches although Pick n Pay is trying hard to turn its fortunes around. Walmart’s much-publicised Every Day Low Prices philosophy might sound good on paper, but in South Africa, price wars are nothing new. Local players have honed the art of affordability and loyalty across decades of economic turbulence, social diversity, and consumer nuance that even a global retail giant may find difficult to decode. The Local…

RMB Holdings (RMH), currently the target of an approach by the Atterbury Property Fund, said net asset value (NAV) decreased to R662 million by September 30, 2023, from R919m as at September 30, 2022. RMH said in its annual financial results Friday this decline was primarily driven by a 2% increase in the underlying NAV of Atterbury - Atterbury comprises 92% of RMH’s portfolio value - offset by an impairment of R272m; a R34m increase in the expected credit loss on the Integer shareholders’ loan; and the yield on cash not being sufficient to fully cover operating expenses. As at September 30, RMH’s market capitalisation came to R557m. The NAV per share fell to 47.5 cents by financial year end, 28% lower than 66 cents at the end of 2022.…

Following explosive claims of a “degree-selling syndicate” and accusations that the university disregarded a warning from a whistleblower dating back to August 2024, Vaal University of Technology (VUT) has taken steps to correct the record. Media reports have thrust VUT into the spotlight after allegations surfaced of a long-running degree-selling scheme allegedly involving foreign nationals, drawing serious concern from Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela. The claims were first raised more than a year ago by a whistleblower who alerted senior management to suspected fraudulent qualifications reportedly sold, mainly to Congolese students, since 2018. Despite repeatedly flagging the matter and urging the university to scrutinise questionable B.Tech registrations and past graduates, the warnings appear to have gone unheeded. Manamela stated that the accusations are far too serious and the potential harm…

Inimba viewers are in for a treat as the Mzansi Magic telenovela has been greenlit for a second season. Since its on-screen debut in April, audiences have been hooked, making Inimba one of the most talked-about shows in Mzansi, with fans flooding timelines to discuss the gripping storyline after each episode. The consistent hype contributed to season one being extended by 90 episodes. Mzansi has developed a love-and-hate relationship with the characters on the isiXhosa telenovela. Lunathi Mampofu, who plays Zoleka Bikitsha, and Sisanda Hewana, who plays Hlathi Mabandla, are central to the story, have had viewers up in arms with all the drama. Season one delivered some unforgettable drama, including Zoleka’s shocking return after two decades, the explosive family confrontations that followed with Hlathi repeatedly proclaiming: “Kukwa Mabandla apha!”,…

UMKHONTO weSizwe chief whip Colleen Makhubele has revealed that new members are set to take up roles as Members of Parliament including one of former president and party leader Jacob Zuma’s daughters Brumelda Zuma. There was speculation last week that Brumelda Zuma would be sworn-in as an MP but the party had not confirmed it at the time. The vacancies have been created by the resignation of some MPs including another of Zuma’s daughters Duduzile Zuma Sambudla and Lucky Montana. Zuma Sambudla resigned after being linked to the alleged trafficking of South Africans to Russia to fight for that country in the Ukraine conflict. Montana said he had resigned for personal reasons. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party said in a statement from Makhubele that it is “proud to announce the…

The Health Ombud has exposed serious clinical and ethical breaches in two separate investigations. One at Limpopo’s Rethabile Community Health Centre (RCHC) and Pietersburg Provincial Tertiary Hospital (PPTH), and another at Johannesburg’s Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC). Both cases resulted in preventable patient harm, including death. In the first case, avoidable death and falsified records in Limpopo, it found that. Pitsi Eliphuz Ramphele, nephew of struggle icon Dr Mamphela Ramphele, died on November 28, 2024, after seeking emergency care for severe abdominal pain. Findings at RCHC indicate that Ramphele waited nearly four hours just to get a patient file. Despite worsening symptoms, no doctor examined him. At 3.30pm he was referred to a doctor, but none were available. Security staff told him to go home at 3.53pm. His…

The ANC has criticised Western Cape Premier Alan Winde’s administration for what it called dismissive and evasive conduct, following the failure to disclose a R51 000 reimbursement from the Under2 Coalition. The opposition party says the incident highlights the need for external oversight. Speaking on behalf of the ANC caucus, opposition party leader Khalid Sayed condemned Winde’s administration for failing to disclose the reimbursement. “The ANC caucus condemns the department of the Premier’s dismissive and evasive conduct during Friday’s Standing Committee deliberation on their adjustment budget, following their failure yet again to disclose the R51 000 payment received from the Under2 Coalition for the Premier’s trip to New York last year.” Sayed said the reimbursement, received in April this year, falls within the current budget period. However, the department reportedly…

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has frozen three high-value properties worth approximately R8.4 million, linked to the alleged looting of nearly R27m from the Northern Cape Department of Health during a PPE procurement scandal in the COVID-19 pandemic. The move forms part of the SIU’s civil proceedings to recover public funds unlawfully paid for a PPE contract during the COVID-19 pandemic. The interim order prevents the respondents from selling or dealing with the properties in Kimberley and Bryanston, which are suspected to have been bought with the proceeds of the fraud. Kaizer Kganyago, spokesperson for the SIU, said: “The preservation orders placed on these properties are intended to facilitate the recovery of financial losses suffered by the state due to corruption or maladministration.” The SIU’s investigation found that in June…

At a time of heightened geopolitical fragility and protectionist policies undermining multilateral cooperation, China has demonstrated its commitment to work with the African continent to advance shared modernisation and prosperity. China and South Africa jointly unveiled the Initiative on Cooperation Supporting Modernisation in Africa on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) Summit held in Johannesburg on November 22. The Initiative demonstrates confidence in Africa despite swelling geopolitical headwinds threatening economic and political stability in the continent. China has been Africa’s largest trading and development partner for over 16 years. The China-Africa trade volume is massive and growing, reaching around $296 billion in 2024. The fragmented geopolitical order presents major risks to the fragile economies on the African continent. Divisive external interests and transactional, coercive, and unreliable partnerships threaten…

Kristoffer Reitan overcame what he described as “excruciating pressure” to become the first Norwegian winner of the Nedbank Golf Challenge in honour of Gary Player at Sun City yesterday. Reitan took a five-stroke lead into the final round and withstood strong challenges from South Africa’s Jayden Schaper and England’s Dan Bradbury to win by a single stroke on 17 under par with a closing 72. Schaper and Bradbury shared second place on 16 under par, with respective final rounds of 68 and 66. “It feels amazing,” Reitan said, after the second DP World Tour victory of his career, which now ties him with countryman Viktor Hovland as the Norwegian player with the most wins on the DP World Tour. “This is an amazing tournament, an incredible golf course and a…

Lando Norris claimed his maiden drivers’ championship yesterday to complete McLaren’s first title double since 1998 with a perfectly judged drive to finish third behind Red Bull’s winner Max Verstappen and teammate Oscar Piastri. A tearful Norris won the title by two points ahead of Verstappen, who relinquished his crown after four consecutive years, in a tense and emotional season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix dominated by strategy and tactics. After crossing the line his team engineer told him: “That’s it mate, you are world champion, world champion!” “Thank you guys, you made a kid’s dream come true,” he replied. “I haven’t cried in a while, I didn’t think I would cry but I did,” Norris said, on the podium in the desert night at the floodlit Yas Marina circuit. “I…

Bulls coach Johan Ackermann was frustration personified after his team imploded in the second half of their Champions Cup clash against Bordeaux at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, losing 46-33 after having led 33-22 at half-time. Ackermann was annoyed that his team let the game “slip through our fingers”. The Bulls blew hot and cold while repeatedly giving the French side an advantage through poor discipline. It was the Bulls’ third consecutive defeat, following United Rugby Championship losses to Glasgow and the Lions. Ackermann was disappointed that after scoring five tries in the first half, his team could not muster a single point in the second, while Bordeaux scored 24 unanswered points, crossing for seven tries. The visitors started the game strongly, with an enterprising backline producing some spectacular tries, but…

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has raised concerns that last week’s court judgment in its legal dispute with AfriForum over municipal electricity tariff timelines encroaches on the powers of the Minister of Finance as set out in the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). Nersa also noted that the ruling was delivered without the National Treasury’s participation, despite its central role in municipal budgeting processes. Nomfundo Maseti, full-time regulator member for piped gas and acting member for electricity, said Nersa is likely to appeal the judgment but must, as a courtesy, inform the Minister of Finance of its implications, particularly the new court-imposed timelines, which she said are misaligned with MFMA requirements. "The court has made out these orders without an opportunity for those that are given powers…

An upward trend in intermediate input costs for South African miners is emerging, the Minerals Council said on Friday, even though overall input costs remain historically subdued. The Minerals Council said on Friday that the emerging trend of rising mining input costs is being driven by “higher prices for intermediate mining inputs, including iron ore—which is performing stronger” than a year ago. “These increases are putting pressure on costs where these and other minerals are used in intermediate processes. Additionally, there has been a notable rise in sawmilling and wood costs, electricity and water tariffs, and significant increases in road transportation costs,” said the Minerals Council. These factors, it explained, were collectively driving the upward trend in mining input costs that has been recorded over the past three months. Data…

The African National Congress (ANC), will be holding its National General Council (NGC) from the 8th to the 11th December. Whilst it is natural for a political party to spend time engaging upon politics, it is critical that this NGC of the ANC, gear its attention to the daily struggles that millions of workers experience, to give hope to the unemployed and to tackle the obstacles facing inclusive and rapid economic growth. Society wants to hear from the leading party in government frank self-introspection and most importantly for the ANC to emerge with concrete proposals on what needs to be done to ensure the state can fulfill its constitutional mandate to provide public and municipal services, to utilise public resources in the most effective way possible to stimulate economic growth…

Anglo American says its merger with Canadian miner, Teck Resources does not affect its obligations and interests in South Africa, with the enlarged entity geared to grow its investments domestically. Over the past few days, South African economist Duma Gqubule has said that the transaction will “provide a final death knell” for the Johannesburg and London listed resource giant. Anglo American has been shedding its South African assets under CEO Duncan Wanblad, with the company finalising its exit from Anglo American Platinum this year. Anglo American has said that its merger with Teck “does not change South Africa’s sovereignty, our operations and many other interests in South Africa or Anglo American’s obligations” in the country. “The merger with Teck is about building a stronger global critical minerals company that is…

If you are looking to escape into an enthralling mystery this festive season, look no further than Malice, the brand-new Amazon Prime series that is already generating plenty of buzz. With its star-studded cast and enough twists and turns to keep you hooked until the very end – including a seriously jaw-dropping finale – the six-episode British psychological thriller is well worth watching. And while stories about a man plotting vengeance on a wealthy family in a bid to bring some sort of street justice are often played out, this production does more than simply add to the genre – it masters it with its clever structure, compelling character arcs and unique storytelling. Malice unfolds with a confidence rarely seen in new thrillers, gradually tightening the screws until you reach…

Anyone who’s watched Stranger Things over the past decade (yes, it’s really been that long to get five seasons of the hit Netflix show) knows one of the main draws is its ’80s nostalgia appeal. From the synth-heavy intro music to all the old tech and board games brandished throughout the show, Stranger Things blends sci-fi, action, and a bit of horror to great effect. Of course, the majority of the main characters in the show started out as young teenagers and are now supposed to still be in school, despite the actors being in their 20s now. That’s beside the point though. Stranger Things is a cultural phenomenon and it’s always the top-rated show whenever a new season is released. That’s the case again after the first four episodes…

New fixed decision making timelines were set in place for municipal electricity tariff decisions, which include that the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) must in future by May 5 finalise all municipal tariff applications. The order granted last week follows a judgment handed down in October by the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, that Nersa’s approval of the implementation of municipal electricity tariffs without the use of proper cost-of-supply (COS) studies and public participation processes was unconstitutional. Judge Etienne Labuschagne at the time issued a rule nisi, calling on the respondents, including all 158 municipalities, to show cause, if any, why the order regarding the proposed timelines should not be made. The court has now imposed annual timelines on Nersa, Eskom, and all municipalities, which include that Eskom must…

Small businesses across South Africa could face a bureaucratic nightmare if the draft Business Licensing Bill is passed, according to the Democratic Alliance. The party has started a national petition, claiming that the bill will bury entrepreneurs in red tape and make it even more difficult for South Africans to make a living. This follows the government’s proposed Business Licensing Bill, which aims to regulate a wide range of commercial activities but has faced strong opposition. The draft legislation, published by the Department of Small Business Development, would require all businesses, from small startups to larger enterprises, to register with local municipalities and obtain licences valid for five years. Inspectors would have broad powers to demand proof of a licence, issue fines, or confiscate goods, raising concerns about overreach and…

On November 25, Longyuan South Africa Renewables opened the gates of its De Aarwind power complex to the community for an open day that blended learning, celebration, and genuine connection. What was originally planned as a straightforward information session quickly grew into something far more meaningful, especially for the new cohort of technical students who arrived with their families, eager to see the world they are stepping into. Set against the wide-open plains of De Aar, the towering turbines created a striking backdrop. Their steady rotations captured a simple but powerful truth: that the winds sweeping across the Karoo can be transformed into electricity that lights homes, strengthens the national grid, and fuels the ambitions of an entire region. Guests, including students, technicians, and members of the media, were given…

Visitors to Time Square at Menlyn Main in Pretoria East can once again step into the magic of Christmas, with the annual Christmas lights which were switched on last week Friday. People can experience this wonderland with a dazzling stroll through the spectacular festive-light garden and discover picture spots perfect for capturing holiday memories that will last a lifetime. This year’s lights were switched on by Miss South Africa first princess Luyanda Zuma and Time Square food and beverages manager Preshan Pillay. The Christmas cheer can be viewed until January 4. Meanwhile, as New York counts down with its famous ball drop, Pretoria’s Time Square has its own New Year’s Eve bash. Before, the festive spirit will be brought to life not only with the enchanting festive lights display, but…

The highly contentious proposal by Bosa leader Mmusi Maimane to increase the National Senior Certificate (NSC) minimum pass mark from 30% to 50% has ignited a fierce debate in South African education circles. Parliament this week rejected a motion by Maimane to reassess the 30% minimum pass requirement for certain Grade 12 subjects. The motion was defeated by a vote of 119 MPs against and 87 in favour. Experts and the Basic Education Minister have reached a consensus, however, that foundational, systemic reforms are urgently needed long before any tinkering with the final pass metric. Maimane, championing the move as a necessary step to raise educational standards and better prepare students for higher education and the modern workforce, has met strong opposition from the ANC and DA. These parties caution…

Kaizer Chiefs will not only search for redemption but also for all-round team organisation when they start the second half of the season next year, following a disappointing end to the year. Chiefs were held to a 0-0 stalemate by TS Galaxy in the last game of the year – and in the Betway Premiership – as they finished fourth on the log with 24 points. Given the fact that this was their fourth successive game without a win, and that they trail log leaders Orlando Pirates – who have a game in hand – by four points, this was certainly not the ideal end Chiefs wanted in 2025. After ending last campaign with silverware, there was plenty of hope that Chiefs would turn around their fortunes this season, but…

The last time the Proteas faced India in an ODI prior to the recently-completed three-match series, they boasted a middle-order consisting of Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller. Fast-forward two years to the series decider in Vizag, and it was only Markram that remains – and that is only due to Tony de Zorzi’s hamstring injury. That is a collective loss of 309 ODI’s worth of experience. The replacements Matthew Breetzke (12) and Dewald Brevis (9) have a sum of 21 caps. Klaasen has since retired from all forms of international cricket and both Van der Dussen and Miller will be 38 by the time the home World Cup arrives in 2027. It would be a fair judgement to assume that neither will be there.…

There was an eruption of joy at a packed Cape Town Stadium yesterday after the Blitzboks came from behind to beat Argentina 21-19 to win the Cape Town Sevens. It was the first time a team had won the Cape Town event back-to-back, and there was an overflow of emotion as the South Africans triumphed before a kaleidoscope of colours, sounds and crazy outfits. Victory was especially sweet after the Blitzboks found themselves lagging behind the South Americans with only a few minutes to go. The Blitzboks rallied, however, scoring two late tries to inch over the line. Ultimately, it was Christie Grobbelaar’s try that secured victory, thanks to a brilliant turnover by Shilton van Wyk. After the final, a delighted Van Wyk said: “It was all about rewarding…